With a population of 1.3 million, Dallas is the ninth largest city in the United States and the third largest in Texas. Rich in history and known for its cultural attractions and professional sports teams, the city has become a hot destination for tourists from near and far. 

In addition to the 22 million visitors it draws each year, Dallas has become a magnet for businesses and job seekers. Between 2010 and 2019, Texas attracted more relocating businesses than any other state—and many of them landed in larger metropolitan areas like Dallas. Today, Dallas remains a major hub for job seekers and employers. Here are some of the top reasons why. 

1. Economic Growth: Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the country’s fastest growing metropolitan areas and has experienced robust economic development over the past decade. Dallas has become more than just an oil town, attracting a wide range of industries, including advanced services, aviation and aerospace, finance, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, and technology. This growth has led to an abundance of new jobs in different fields. 
2. Business-Friendly Environment: Texas offers a business-friendly environment, with one of the lowest overall tax burdens nationwide, and has been named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive Magazine for the past 19 years in a row. As one of the Lone Star State’s major cities, Dallas benefits from these policies, making it an attractive place to do business and seek employment. The area is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, HF Sinclair, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments.
3. Strategic Location: Dallas is centrally located within the United States, making it a hub for transportation and logistics. Home to one of the busiest airports in the world, the city is within a four-hour flight from almost all North American destinations, offering easy access for businesses and professionals to connect with domestic and international markets. Another benefit for businesses seeking connectivity is the International Inland Port of Dallas (IIOPD), an intermodal and logistics district that encompasses 7,500 acres and five municipalities. The IIOPD provides direct access to three major interstates (I-35, I-20, and I-45), making all major North American markets accessible within 48 hours by truck.
4. Cost of Living: While the cost of living in Dallas has been rising, it remains relatively low compared to other major cities like New York City and San Francisco. The affordability factor makes the area appealing for both employers and employees who want to get more bang for their buck.
5. Thriving Technology Sector: Dallas has emerged as a significant tech hub, attracting startups, established tech companies, and investments from venture capital firms. In a 2023 report, Dallas-Fort Worth added the second most new tech jobs between 2021 and 2022, only behind New York City. The Texas tech workforce is second largest in the nation, and the estimated median wage for a tech worker in Texas is $89,833—123 percent higher than the median wage for all occupations statewide. Semiconductor activity is also increasing in the region, with Southern Methodist University (SMU)’s designation as one of the country’s 31 federal technology hubs. These tech hubs will focus on semiconductor manufacturing, leading to new jobs and further economic growth.
6. Quality of Life: Dallas offers a high quality of life with a diverse array of cultural attractions, dining options, recreational activities, and a favorable climate that appeals to job seekers and workers considering relocation.
7. Educational Institutions: Dallas is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including SMU and the University of Texas at Dallas, providing a skilled and educated workforce to meet employers’ demands. According to the Dallas Chamber, Dallas-Fort Worth has the largest postsecondary enrollment in the state and among the highest graduate retention rates nationwide. 

Dallas’ affordable cost of living, quality of life, and business-friendly environment are just some of the reasons why job seekers and employers are drawn to the city and surrounding areas. 

To learn more about Acara’s services in Dallas, visit our website to get in touch with us today. You can also check out our Dallas Labor Force Summary. 

This blog was authored by Acara’s Debra Pagtolingan.